Civic Election Spotlight: Ridge Meadows

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MAPLE RIDGE (NEWS1130) – Only one incumbent is hoping to retain the top spot in Ridge Meadows.

Maple Ridge Mayor Ernie Daykin is hoping to be re-elected, but the mayor of Pitt Meadows will not be seeking a fifth term. Growth is on Daykin’s agenda.

“Try to manage that tax-base that everyone is concerned about,” says Daykin. “The other big issue is for shopping options. Folks want to be able to shop more at home, rather than having to go outside the community.”

Daykin’s only competitor is Craig Ruthven, a teacher in the Burnaby School District who was heavily involved in the Albion Flats debate.

Ruthven says the current approach to growth is unhealthy and lopsided, so he is campaigning on controlled residential development, livable suburbs and business investment.

A fresh face will get the keys to the city in Pitt Meadows, with two current councillors competing for the mayor’s job: John Becker and Deb Walters.

Becker is a lawyer and was first elected to Council in 2002. Walters is a former Citizen of the Year, and holds a certificate in local government leadership.

TV and movie special effects coordinator Gary Paller has also entered the race. He’s lived in the area for the last 13 years.

See all Maple Ridge candidates here.

See all Pitt Meadows candidates here.

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